Gary Yoder, 84, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on the evening of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at his home.

On February 4, 1940, Gary Yoder was born in Topeka, to Elva and Nellie Hostetler Yoder.  Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and four brothers.  Gary graduated from Topeka High School with his class in 1958.  He was a proud member of the Future Farmers of America.

Gary married Velda Rheinheimer, together they had five children Carrie, Elaine, Gary, Angela and Amy.

On April 6, 1985, Gary married the love of his life, Paula Jean Helman, in Dowagiac, Michigan. Blending their family Gary adopted Michele, Michael and Megan in 1992.  Their love story spanned nearly four decades and was a beautiful testament to the deep bond they shared. Their partnership was filled with laughter, orneriness, adventure, and enduring love.

With a strong work ethic and a passion for agriculture, Gary was a hardworking dairy farmer who dedicated much of his life to tending the land and caring for his animals. In his free time, he found joy in woodworking, crafting everything from toys to cabinets with great skill and care. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease he was one of the founding members and a participant of the local Rock Steady Boxing of Rochester, a national organization supporting individuals in their fight against Parkinson's disease. A man of faith, Gary was also an active member of Grace Church, where he found community and spiritual fulfillment.

Left to cherish Gary's memory are his seven children: daughter Carrie Lambright and husband Kevin of Shipshewana, daughter Elaine Booth of Granger, son Gary D. Yoder and wife Nona of Topeka, daughter Angela Kramer of Plymouth, daughter Michele Clemons and husband Barry of Macy, son Michael Yoder and wife Dawn of Kewanna, and daughter Megan Smith and husband Brent of Denver, as well as 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren along with his siblings Joan Hughes of Auburn and James Yoder and wife Doris of Newton, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Amy Yoder (1974), and three brothers Dwight Yoder (2010), Maurice Yoder (2009), and William "Billy" Yoder (1946).

A celebration of the life of Gary E. Yoder will be 10 AM Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at the Good Family Funeral Home located at 1200 W. 18th St Rochester, IN 46975.  Chaplain Todd Wilson will officiate.  Gary's family will receive friends on Tuesday Oct 1 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and on Wednesday, an hour prior to his service. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM EST at the Eden Cemetery, Topeka with Tamra Gerber officiating. Memorials may be made to Rocksteady Boxing, 529 Main Street, Rochester, IN  46975. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.